Emory sponsors Q&A on T-SPLOST [Apr 25]

Emory University will sponsor a Q&A on the upcoming T-SPLOST vote scheduled for next July.

As noted elsewhere, light rail is proposed for the Clifton Corridor; both Emory and MANA are within this corridor. 

Wednesday, July 25

6:30-8pm

Glenn Memorial Church [directions/parking info]

1600 Clifton Rd.

Click image to enlarge.

On the up side

The Atlanta Business Chronicle highlights positive economy indicators for the Atlanta area:

1. Per the US Census for 2011, population growth points to investment in urban areas (vs. exurban)

 ... from 2000-2010, Cobb, Fulton, Dekalb, and Gwinnett Counties added an average of 42,779 people per year, while the 14 counties on the edge of the region added an average of 57,425. From 2010-2011, however, the close-in counties added 55,168 people (up 29 percent from the 2000-2010 rate) while the edge counties added 21,077 (down 63 percent). At a finer grain level, growth in Fulton and Dekalb outpaced Gwinnett and Cobb last year by 26 percent, a stark reversal of the prior decade’s patterns. . . . the next 24 months are going to be all about close-in, lifestyle oriented product, and that looks like a trend that will stick. Whether hunting for land, raising money to break ground, or rehabbing existing product to take advantage of energy related tax credits, the action is decidedly urban.

2.  Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia salaries were average as of May 2011 (annual pay of $42,590 vs national average of $45,230). This places Georgia 24th in the nation, bracketed by Mississippi ($34,770) and Washington, D.C. ($74,540).

Earth Day @ Oakhurst Community Garden [Apr 22]

The City of Decatur, in partnership with the Wylde Center, will be holding its annual Decatur Earth Day Festival (DEDF) on Sunday, April 22, 2012, 1-4 p.m. at the Oakhurst Garden at the corner of Oakview and South McDonough. ...  

The celebration will kick off with a parade that will go from Harmony Park to the Community Garden site, beginning at 12:30 pm.  We have an exciting array of events planned for children, youth and adults and include, for example:
Kids Crafts
Music
A Live Raptor Show! (need we say more!)
Special Earth Day T-shirt contest
Checkin’ out the resident Chicks and Bees in the Garden
World Famous Cake Contest
And MORE!

For additional details see the Oakhurst Community Garden website.

On staying put, and moving closer to the first sphere of foodie heaven

The AJC reports this weekend that shoppers are acting as if they are setting roots. Per reports from Home Depot, Lowe's and even our own Intown Ace Hardware store, homeowners are focusing on maintenance and more frugal remodels (with stores offering products that make things easier for do-it-yourselfers). Whether buying perennials to gussy up the yard or materials for a chicken coop, all signs point to feathering the nest for the owner's own longer-term enjoyment. Read it all @ the AJC. 

If nesting and "staycation" urges turn your mind to delicious home cooking shared with family and friends, Decatur Metro has news that might make you snap your spatula: Your DeKalb Farmers Market has submitted a development of regional impact request that outlines a plan to expand retail operations to over half a million sq. ft.  (vs. the current 140,000 sq. ft.) as well as add warehouse and parking space. YDFM proposes to begin the project next October, but the totality of their so-far secret master plan will unfold over 10 years.

Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve Earth Day Clean-Up [Apr 14]

From Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve acting President Gene Beck: Saturday April 14 from 9 to 12 is our annual Earth Day clean-up at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve. Come join us and see the progress being made on our new kiosk and invasive plant removal through out the preserve.  Do you have a wheel barrel… Please bring it as we have to mulch lots of trails! Can't volunteer this Saturday... but can help at other times? Reply to genebbeck@gmail.com and we will get in touch to use your help.

Directions

To get to the Nature Preserve take Medlock Road north to Medlock Elementary School. Turn right onto Wood Trail Lane and follow to the preserve entrance. For complete directions and for more information, visit http://www.cshepherdpreserve.org, leave a detailed message at 678-951-0105, or email us at information@cshepherdpreserve.org

Romp Thru The Woods 5K & Fun Run [Apr 21]

Saturday, April 21st, 8:00am

Join the 3rd Annual Laurel Ridge Elementary School "Romp Thru the Woods" 5K & Fun Run, a true off-road race through the woods between Laurel Ridge & Druid Hills Middle School. Fun for the entire family! All ages and athletic abilities welcome.

Packet pick-up: 6:30 am
Race start: 8:00 am

Open to all. Register now @ www.active.com

Sponsored by the LRES PTA Health & Wellness Committee.

Additional press on MARTA expansion plans

Rather than passively waiting for the T-SPLOST vote next July, MARTA board members have chosen proactive optimism:

The board green-lighted a plan to seek $1.6 billion in federal funds to build the Clifton Corridor light rail from the Lindbergh Center station in north Atlanta to the Avondale station east of Decatur and also create an all-day express bus service from south DeKalb to job centers in the metro area. 

In a surprise move, the board also approved seeking federal money for a heavy-rail extension from the Indian Creek station to the Mall at Stonecrest, a move largely seen as an attempt to mollify angry south DeKalb residents. Those residents and their politicians have threatened to try to derail the regional transportation sales tax referendum because its project list doesn't include rail for them. continue reading @ AJC

The Atlanta Business Chronicle also reports on the Board's decision, adding that although T-SPLOST penny tax is only a "downpayment" on this massive project, voter support improves the odds of receiving federal funds in the future.

The penny tax would raise $6.14 billion over 10 years for highway and transit projects of regional significance, including $700 million for the Clifton Corridor rail line and $225 million for transit improvements along the I-20 corridor. . .

The Clifton Corridor light-rail line would extend 8.8 miles from MARTA’s Lindbergh Center station to the Avondale station. Part of the proposed alignment would run in the median of Clifton Road near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The I-20 project would connect MARTA’s Indian Creek station with the Mall at Stonecrest via heavy rail. Bus rapid transit service, a step up from regular buses, would operate between downtown Atlanta and a new MARTA station on Wesley Chapel Road. continue reading @ Atlanta Business Chronicle